FSA Orbit Z 1-1/8' 44mm Threadless 1-1/8' Headset W/Top Cap , NO.9M/CUP/CC , #XTE1529

Works and fit great. Smooth sealed bearings. Was a good upgrade from my caged bearing headset!

I know there are much fancier headsets from Chris King or Hope, but I have never been able to justify their high price. I've been using FSA headsets for 15 years now, and never had any problems with it. Once I had to replace the lower bearing on my FSA Orbit MX, which is super easy on headsets based on industrial cartridge bearings.This headset is identified as ZS44/28.6 - ZS44/30. The first set of numbers refers to the upper cup, and the second to the lower. ZS means it's a semi-integrated unit - the cups are pressed into the head tube, sticking out of the tube by about 2 mm on each side. The identical bearings (part 5 on the diagram) are inserted into the cups (parts 6 on the diagram) and so they are sitting inside the head tube. The number 44 on both sides means it's for head tubes with 44 mm internal diameter (the outer diameter is 50 mm). The final numbers refer to the bore diameter. 28.6 mm is the diameter of the standard 1 1/8" steerer tube. The lower number is different because it refers to the crown race (part 7 on the diagram) that is installed on the same (non-tapered) 1 1/8" steerer tube.The cups on this headset are silver in color, while the top cover (part 2, with the FSA logo) is black. As shipped, the top cover (part 2) already has the o-ring (part 1) and seal (part 3) attached to it, don't be alarmed if you count less parts than on the drawing. Do check that they are in place, though.If you ever have to replace the bearings, the correct replacement bearing is the FSA TH-873E, also known as MR122 (ACB 36° x 45°, single seal). Another bearing that will fit is FSA TH-873S, also known as MR054S (ACB 36° x 45°, dual seal). The latter bearing is made of stainless steel and is better sealed. It would make sense to put this bearing in the bottom cup. When installing the headset, I advise to coat the bottom bearing heavily with waterproof grease, as there's no dedicated sealing ring on the bottom. The bottom bearing gets a lot of the water/mud spray kicked up by the front wheel, and is usually the first to die. The additional grease will give it some protection from the elements. Just wipe off the excess after installing the fork. I also use a Lizard Skins Headset Seal to cover around the lower cup and bearing, it's a tube of neoprene with some velcro to attach it. The one I have lasted me for many years.

Works just fine exactly what I needed, exactly what I ordered, and exactly what I got. Need I say more.

Egal wie man festzieht, der Vorbau fühlt sich instabil und der Lenker wackelt

The bearing set works great and was easy to install. Fast delivery but i would prefer "Made in Canada".